On April 3, police in Avon, Indiana, responded to a call from a local hospital about a two-month-old infant who had sustained suspicious and severe injuries.
Aaron Scott Evans was arrested and accused of one count of battery against a child, which caused serious bodily harm, and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily harm.
After receiving advanced care at Riley Children’s Hospital, medical staff determined that the harm to the child was caused by non-accidental physical abuse. The child was found to have multiple broken ribs, a bleeding skull, and various contusions.
Investigations conducted by police revealed details regarding the possible perpetrator of this atrocity. The baby’s mother had complained of Evans, the 19-year-old suspect, having “anger issues” and being prone to frustration.
Evans’ roommate had likewise suggested that he frequently acted unsafely. Evans seemed to corroborate these accusations in an official interview after his arrest, claiming to have repeatedly hit the baby in the legs, being unnecessarily rough with the child in an attempt to “inflict pain back” after anger arising from the ruining of his nose ring, and dropping the infant unnecessarily.
Given this evidence and the severity of the alleged crime, the Hendricks County Jail has taken Evans into custody and forbidden any contact between him and his son. A June 5 pre-trial will determine if he faces one count each of battery and neglect causing severe bodily harm.
Child abuse is a heinous crime with severe consequences, and Evans’ allegations are one more tragic example of how dangerous these issues can become.